Tonight was not just a show; it was an authentic jam session of virtuoso artists guiding their listeners through time and continental travel, gospel, blues, jazz, cool, fusion, bossa, and funk.
Tony DeSare at Birdland introduced each song in an engaging and deeply personal way. His manner and charm in speaking were as crucial as his singing and playing. Audience members sighed when he spoke of his nine-year-old son and the romance and beauty of Paris. They nodded and smiled as he described the provenance of each musical gem.
Elias’ own warmth, smile, and gentle narratives of her homeland drew anticipation for the music we were about to experience. As she introduced each song, she frequently connected interesting anecdotes about the song’s setting, rhythm, composer, and lyrics. She inexorably drew the audience into the virtual world of each song, inspiring sentimental musings about the dance, beauty, charm, and romance of Brazil.
Marisa Licata at Birdland shows she has it all: glamour, sheer talent, brilliance, and power, and is a blazing artist of her generation.
Our rising star arrived on the stage with smiles and panache, an enthusiastic audience welcoming the charming young chanteuse. Pinero greeted and thanked her adoring fan base for attending, reflecting on the excitement of creating her debut album, and the challenges of remote recording. She shared personal thoughts about her life and segued into her opening number, Stand Tall by Donald Glover.
Vocalist Naama Gherber, accompanied by Ben Paterson on piano, Neal Miner on Bass, and Evan Sherman on drums, entertained the audience at Birdland Jazz Club on January 10 with her smooth as honey, exquisite voice.
